The following are a few guiding principles that you can abide by in order to grow a
garden that flourishes in the partial or full shade.
Choose The Right Type Of Shade
You can choose from a variety of shades depending on what type of plants you want to grow. One of the basic things to keep in mind is to choose a spot which gets direct sunlight, especially in the morning. During the afternoon, the shade will protect the plants from extreme mid-day heat.
Map It
Observe your shade before even starting with your gardening. Watch how the shade varies throughout the day, taking note of which areas are in direct sunlight during the day. Take note also of the exact time and the duration.
Watch Out For Tree Roots
Position your plant in an area that is not entirely controlled by tree roots as they can take all the water supply and leave your plants with nothing.
Inspect Your Soil
The most important factor to consider when choosing your soil is its pH. The most recommended pH level for shade plants is 6 to 6.5. Using a
pH test kit, you can personally test your soil.
Choose Shade Loving Plants
Full and direct sunlight is required for most colorful plants. In the case of a shade garden, choose plants with varying textures and beautiful foliage to compensate for any shortcoming in color.
You will encounter different sorts of challenges when you grow a shade garden compared to a garden which obtains full sunlight. A few of the things you need to know is the type of shade your garden has, and how and where the light and shadow fall during the whole duration of the day and the year.
Additionally, know everything about your soil and take the necessary steps to make it better. If you follow these guidelines, you will surely grow a shade garden that will look amazing all throughout the growing season.
One plant in particular that is often overlooked, Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety’
Rarely considered for walls and used for ground cover instead, it makes a great wall plant of all year round interest
- Height: 3 to 5 feet
- Spread: 3 to 6 feet
- Bloom Time: June
- Bloom Description: Greenish white
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Flowers: Flowers not Showy
- Leaves: Colorful, Evergreen
- Other: Winter Interest
- Tolerates: Drought
